I think this will probably go down as one of the most memorable days of the trip. This morning we hiked Mount Timpanogos to the Timpanogos Cave National Monument. We started the adventure at the ranger station, chatting with the two most friendly rangers we have run into this trip. They were awesome with the girls, assisting them with the Junior Ranger program, and giving hints to birds to be on the look out for during the hike.
The hike up was pretty strenuous, a mile and a half long and over 1,000 feet in altitude climb. That makes for a really steep hike, the steepest of the trip thus far. My calves were feeling the burn! An additional factor was that most of the climb was in a high risk rock fall zone. We were not allowed to stop and rest at all for much of the hike. The last risk factor was a thunderstorm the went over us. It wasn’t long lived, but produced pea sized hail for a significant amount of time. (Not the Trader Joe’s petite frozen pea size, but real peas from the pod in late August size.) It hurt. A whole lot, even with the hoods of our rain coats on. Before long the rain and hail slowed and we kept on trucking.
We got the whole way up in an hour, which we were pretty proud of. Once we reached the top we took a few bites or trail mix and a couple last sips of water as no drinking or eating is allowed in the cave.
We entered the cave system with 10 other hikers and 2 rangers. Immediately the temperature dropped to 45 degrees, the consistent temperature of the cave. We were given so much information from our ranger, Alex, who is studying geology now. The cave was discovered in the early 1900s and then “lost” for a number of years and rediscovered in the 20s. It was made a National Monument by Harding almost immediately to allow visitors to always be able to see it and for scientific study.
There aren’t words to describe what we saw and, the pictures, although better than the words in my vocacabulary, don’t do it justice either.
The hike down seemed super simple, but I know we’ll be paying for it tomorrow. The downhill hikes are the ones that end up really making our legs sore.
We returned to the ranger’s station where the girls were sworn in as Junior Rangers and we chatted about the park service with our new favorite rangers. We were also pointed in the direction of a great picnic area, right along a rumbling river. With the exception of the crunches of our cheetos, we were surrounded by only the sounds of the rapids, leaves rustling, and a few birds chirping.
After leaving the National Monument we drove about 45 minutes, through a crazy storm, to our first Kimpton of the trip. Ahhh, feels like home! It seems ridiculous to say that the smell is what makes me feel so loved. I don’t know if all the locations pump some magical light scent into the lobby or what, but all my past Kimpton memories come flooding back when I smell it. We were shocked when we walked into our room and found a three tiered cake, just like the one Ellie had drawn in her second grade memory book. We were also presented with local popcorn, beef jerky, seltzer and whisky, lemonade, and bottles of some fancy water. And a cake. A freaking cake.
We found a great brewery for dinner and immediately broke a dozen Utah liquor laws. Little did we know you can’t have drinks behind yellow lines, all IDs must be present when ordering, or you can’t get anything greater than 4% draft. I nibbled Ellie’s bacon toppled meatloaf and Zoe’s pub Reuben, both were amazing!
After dinner we walked around the Mormon Temple. We aren’t religious, but there was a certain peace that was palpable on the lovely grounds. Every inch was gorgeous, each building, every plant, and all of the brides we saw (3!).
We returned to Hotel Monaco, enjoyed a slice of cake, and are snuggled in the coziest beds of the trip.
Ah, yes, the weddings. I forgot to mention that on Ellie’s post. I bet that would be an amazing backdrop for a wedding. How lucky for them.
I will have to see if my hubby can help me see your slide shows. Not sure if I have Javascript. But, for now I cannot see them. I can only imagine.
You all must be pretty strong people climbing thise hills. Not so sure I could keep up with you. But the memories and ideas for further education are priceless for the girls.
I am so glad that you had a comfy place at the end of the day to enjoy spirits and chocolate cake. And isn’t it funny how a scent can bring you back in time. Smells bring memories, some good, some, not so much. But for whatever reason I love them.
Have a great day with your family. I am praying for all of you as you travel.
Blessings,
Joanie Kenning
X-guard